Wales dug in for a gutsy goalless draw in Belgium to maintain their unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. Belgium bossed the first half as Nacer Chadli was denied by Wayne Hennessey and Nicolas Lombaerts hit the post.
But Wales defended stoically and had chances of their own after the interval as Gareth Bale shot narrowly wide. The point kept Wales top of Group B, though Israel could take their place with a win against Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Having made their best start to a campaign since winning their first four qualifiers for Euro 2004, Wales entered this match with renewed hope. Despite the raised expectations, however, Chris Coleman’s men were undoubtedly the underdogs against a Belgian side fourth in the Fifa world rankings.
Welsh hopes rested heavily on the shoulders of Bale, and it was no surprise that it was the world’s most expensive player who had the visitors’ first shot on target.The Real Madrid forward unleashed a trademark swerving free-kick from 25 yards, but it was palmed away by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
